A private group for resolute writers with persevering pens - sheer grit and dogged determination welcome. Gutless wonders needn't apply!

Founded to support one another through NaNoWriMo 2002, the group lives on beyond its 30-day wonder novels.

See http://www.nanowrimo.org for more information about this annual event for slightly crazy writers. Remember, NaNoWriMo 2003 is just around the corner - in November!

Are you ready to set goals for yourself and your writing, and determined to achieve them?

How to "gear up" for NaNoWriMo

What the heck, NaNoWriMo may be over, but some of this is still worth tacking to the wall when you're in the midst of a major writing project!

1. Make sure the PC and monitor are in good repair.

2. Re-familiarize yourself with your backup options; learn to use them. Set a reminder, if necessary. Practice daily, starting now, so
that you are not caught unprepared, with 12,567 words left unprotected for the night.

3. Stock up on (and buy stock in) Starbucks, Jolt Cola, and Godiva chocolates. (Or Jack Daniels, or Mountain Dew and Skittles - pick your poison!)

4. Buy several spiral notebooks and a box of your favorite pens to jot down character sketches and list those pesky details that are likely to trip you up 3 weeks later (Oh, didn't you say your leading lady's eyes were brown? When did she start wearing amethyst-colored contact lenses? Wait, Junior can't have been born BEFORE his older sibling, Ryan--unless this is one of those weird time-warp stories...)

5. Make big, colorful posters for the door: "Keep Out, Dear Family, I Am Writing Now!" and "All Work, No Play, Makes Jack a Psycho - Enter at Your Own Peril!" (get creative).

6. Cut slot at bottom of door so loving spouse or significant other can slide a food tray through to you at regular intervals. When your loving spouse or significant other STOPS sliding food trays under door at regular intervals, remember that sex can be, er, mentally stimulating (and that gratuitous sex scenes are great for adding to the word count!)

7. Sharpen and keep handy a box of No. 2 pencils. You won't be writing with them, but you may need them as weapons of self-defense against pesky loved ones, coworkers, and friends as they lean over your shoulder to read what you've written.

8. Sleep long and often during the summer and early fall months, because you won't be sleeping in November. Store up for a long winter. If you're a real masochist, you have to take NaNoEdMo into account, as well. (And if you think NaNoEdMo only lasts a MONTH... hahahahahaa!!!)

9. If you must sleep during November, remember to keep a notebook by the bed. Long, rambling dream sequences are also great for adding to the word count.

10. If you work, don't blow your vacation time during November. Taking time off to devote yourself to NaNoWriMo is the Wimp's Way. Work that full-time job, devote yourself to your loving family and friends, then write during the wee hours of the morning. Reward yourself with a long week in Tahiti - ALONE - when NaNoWriMo is over.